The Three Prophetic Attributes Exclusive to the Prophet (s.a.w.)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Shaykh ‘Utsman Nuri Tufbas wrote, in “The Prophet Muhammad Muswthafa the Elect (s.a.w.)”, besides the five prophetic attributes mentioned, namely swidq, amanah, fathanah, tabligh, ‘iswmah, there are an additional three, solely exclusive to the Prophet (s.a.w.). 

The Chosen Prophet (s.a.w.) is the Beloved of Allah (s.w.t.), the greatest of all prophets, the noblest of humankind.  As Rasul ath-Thaqalayn, the Prophet (s.a.w.) has been Sent to all man and jinn.  The religion he brought is valid until the end of time.  Other prophets, on the other hand, were Sent for a temporary period of time, with some sent for a certain group of people in particular.  In this respect, while the miracles of other prophets have remained exclusive to their times, the miracles of the Prophet (s.a.w.) extend to all times.  The Qur’an, especially, as the greatest miracle Given to him, is set to survive unsullied until the Last Hour, impervious to falsification.  He is the Khatam al-Anbiya’, the Seal of Prophets.  On top of all this, on the Day of Judgement, the Prophet (s.a.w.) will be Privileged with leading Shafa’at al-‘Uzhmah the Great Intercession, , and be Given maqam al-mahmud, the Praised Rank.  It is that Prophet of Mercy (s.a.w.), who will hence intercede on behalf of the sinners of his ummah, an intercession that will be Accepted. 

It is an indisputable fact that loving a person, admiring his character and trying to imitate him, are naturally ingrained tendencies.  Pinpointing the most exemplary figures and following in their wake is therefore of enormous importance for human beings.  Being of eternal grace and generosity, the Allah (s.w.t.) has, therefore, not only Sent Revelation to humankind, but also prophets adorned with the most supreme qualities, quintessential figures who are the living embodiment of Divine Revelation.  Such consummate characters they are that they exude perfection in all aspects, be it religious, scientific or moral.  In fact, by perfecting certain modes of behaviour, each prophet has rendered an outstanding service to humankind. 

Among the Prophets, for instance, a look at the life of Nuh (a.s.) immediately strikes one with a persevering and patient call to the Truth, and an ultimate and passionate dislike of disbelief and its representatives. 

Dominating the life of Ibrahim (a.s.) is a relentless battle against idolatry in an attempt to eradicate it permanently, whereby he provides a unique example of trust and reliance in Allah (s.w.t.), Who, in return, Turned the fire of Nimrod into a rose garden for him.

Musa (a.s.) spent the bulk of his life struggling against the oppressive Pharaoh and his mob, setting up a celebrated social system for the believers in the shade of the shari’ah. 

The distinctive feature of the call of ‘Isa (a.s.) was a tenderness of heart, filled with mercy and compassion for human beings.  Significant in his call is the promotion of sublime virtues like humility and leniency towards people. 

In spite of the dazzling and legendary kingship of Sulayman (a.s.), his maintenance of his spiritual state by virtue of gratitude and humbleness, which made him grow ever greater in his servanthood of the Real, commands admiration. 

The life of Ayyub (a.s.) reveals instances of fortitude against hardships and of thankfulness to Allah (s.w.t.), at all times, no matter how dire the situation may be. 

The life of Yunus (a.s.) offers a perfect example of turning towards and attaching to Allah (s.w.t.) with repentance, out of remorse over an error committed. 

Even during captivity, Yusuf (a.s.) personified the zenith of loyalty to Allah (s.w.t.), and calling to His Path, fending off his attempted seduction by a beautiful woman of wealth, and fame, her mesmerising and tempting call, with lofty purity. His heart, adorned with piety, was virtually like a font of behavioural perfection. 

The life of Dawud (a.s.) is filled with an excellence of sentiment towards Divine Majesty. Engrossed in His fear and awe, his tearful glorifications and invocations of Allah (s.w.t.), his turning to Him, earnestly and beseechingly, provide great lessons. 

As for the life of Ya’qub (a.s.), it is the quintessence of the need to avoid despair even in the darkest hour, to attach one’s hopes to Allah (s.w.t.) with steady patience and to never lose hope in His Mercy. 

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), the Seal of Prophets, embodied all the known and unknown distinguished attributes of the entirety of prophets that came before him -124,000 on one account-, and more, representing the apex of virtue and conduct.  His celebrated life is a vast ocean of which the lives of all the other prophets are tributary rivers that pour into it.